Resources Used the Most by Graduate Students: The Libraries

From academics to campus involvement, JMU offers a wide range of resources for both part-time and full-time graduate students. Libraries are one of the most frequently used resources by graduate students daily.

JMU Libraries provides expertise, services, and resources in librarianship, educational technology, archives, and instructional design across four library locations and online. The Libraries offer numerous features that can support students in their research and studies. Students can take advantage of library spaces, receive research assistance, get tech support, acquire professional skills, and find many books and eBooks in the catalog.

Need resources for research? The library provides online access to multiple journals and scholarly websites for on and off-campus graduate students. Hairat Alatishe, a second-year international graduate student, describes her experience with the resource: “Honestly, the digital library is great because I do not have to worry about buying books or searching online. The library makes it so easy, and we all know how hard it is to get some books. I feel relaxed knowing I will get any article I want. It's like a place that has all the answers, and I love that students can make hard copies. Also, it's easy to share books with others via Outlook.”

Easy access to these books and journals offers great assistance when searching for credible sources online, “There was a project where we had to review several journals, and the library was extremely helpful in finding these journals, which were easy to download and use for the project. In fact, these days, I look for the text ‘login with your institution’ to access some of these books.” Alatishe said. In addition to academics, the library has services to fuel students’ creative side as well.

Students can also develop their creative sides by participating in free lessons at the Makery. The Makerspace, located in Rose Library, has lots of tools students can use to create, such as button makers, sound booths, 3D printers, sewing machines, laser cutters, block printing press, crafting supplies, and more. They also provide printing services, research data support, consultations, and multimedia equipment rental for graduate students. If you ever need any assistance with any of these services, just ask at the front desk!

Learn more about how the JMU libraries can help you research and create!